What is the New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey?

The New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey collects information about New Zealanders’ experience of crime. This new survey will run every year from 2018 asking 8,000 New Zealanders from all walks of life about their experiences.

Where can I find the survey results?

We will regularly publish the results of the Survey on this website. The Cycle 1 (2018) findings are already available here:

Why should I take part?

This survey is the only reliable way for the Ministry of Justice to understand the full picture of victimisation in New Zealand as not all crimes are reported to the Police. Without the survey we would have little reliable information on New Zealanders’ experiences with crime. The results from the survey will help government agencies to create safer neighbourhoods and communities.

What questions will be asked?

We will be asking if you have experienced any crimes and if so:

how it affected you

whether you have told anyone about them

how helpful any agencies were.

Who is carrying out the survey?

The survey is being carried out on behalf of the Ministry of Justice by CBG Public Sector Surveying which is an independent, New Zealand-based research company.

Who will be asked to take part?

One person from your household aged 15 yearsor over will be randomly selected to take part in the survey. Your contribution will help make our communities safer – and we greatly appreciate your participation – but you can refuse if you wish.

What if I have not experienced any crime?

Even if you have not been the victim of a crime we would still like to hear from you. Your participation will help us to better understand which people are more likely to be at risk in the future.

How will the questions be asked?

An interviewer will visit your house and use a laptop to ask the questions. If there is anything you don’t want to talk about you can type it into the laptop yourself so that your answer is private.

How long will the interview take?

This depends on if you have been a victim of crime. If you have not experienced any crime it will probably last 30 minutes. If you have been a victim it may take longer. The interview can be held at a date and time that suits you.

Is my privacy protected?

The information you provide to the interviewer is confidential and protected by the Privacy Act 1993. The interviewer cannot discuss your information with anyone else. Your individual responses will never be identified and only approved researchers can use the data. Your name and any identifying details will not be included in the published material.